Page 49

Thirty-Six

The local registrar had been persuaded to come to the Doves’ hotel suite to perform the ceremony.

Eliza believed that the involvement of a duke and two earls helped to greatly influence his decision.

Mr. Hathaway might have provided a donation of some kind.

She didn’t know and was content to not ask questions, because it meant that she got to marry Simon in the safety of the hotel without venturing outside to the curious looks of everyone who knew about what had happened last evening.

There had been an inquisition last night after the confrontation, but it was no secret what had transpired.

Many witnesses stepped forward to say that Beck had been chasing her.

Several more said that they saw Brody try to grab her from the carriage.

The fact that Brody was a well-known criminal who had been killed with his own gun helped things be wrapped up quicker than they might have otherwise.

She felt nothing but relief that the man who had caused Simon and Daisy so much grief would be gone from their lives for good. They both deserved to live their lives free from his dark shadow.

It was nearing noon as Eliza stood in her bedroom as her mother and sisters helped her dress.

Her mother had acquired the orange blossoms she sought the day before and tucked them into her hair.

Cora had brought along her own wedding dress for Eliza to wear for the occasion, since they hadn’t the time to commission a new one.

It was a beautiful, pure white silk with intricate lace edging and layering that flattered her figure.

Jenny fashioned a bouquet for her to carry with the leftover orange blossoms and a few lilies from the suite’s drawing room. She tied them all together with ribbon.

“I am so proud of you, Eliza, and you are so beautiful.” Fanny smiled at Eliza’s reflection at the dressing table.

She stood behind her, admiring her handiwork in styling Eliza’s hair.

She had left it down to fall in soft waves with it pulled up at the temples where she had tucked in the orange blossoms like a crown.

“I hope Simon thinks so,” Eliza said.

“Simon will think he’s marrying a fairy princess,” Cora said as she joined their mother and Eliza turned to face them.

“I can hardly believe it’s happening.” Eliza had felt like she’d been floating on a cloud all morning. Nothing seemed real because Simon would be hers now.

“Here.” Jenny handed her the bouquet and smoothed down the edge of Eliza’s veil.

She had opted to wear it so that it fell down her back rather than over her face, which was tradition. Nothing else in her life had happened in a traditional way, so she saw no reason not to flout tradition when it suited her. She didn’t want anything between her and Simon.

“You do look beautiful,” Jenny added.

“Are you certain about this, Jenny?”

“Yes, will you stop asking me that?”

“But Brody isn’t a threat anymore. We don’t need the inheritance.”

“You don’t need it? Eliza, that is your inheritance.

” In a softer tone, she added, “Besides, I gave my word, and if I back out now, Mr. Hathaway will definitely try to stop you so that he can get Mainwaring back. It’s not worth the risk.

Also, David and I have come to an agreement.

It will be fine; you’ll see. Now don’t think about it anymore, and go get married so that you can enjoy your wedding night,” Jenny said.

Cora snickered at the wedding night remark. “I don’t think that will be a problem for her.”

Eliza rolled her eyes and said, “Then let’s get this started. I can’t wait any longer.”

They all agreed that it was time and her sisters preceded her out the door.

Fanny gave her a final kiss on the cheek with a whisper of congratulations before following them.

The foyer was empty by the time Eliza had done one last check in the mirror to make certain she looked her very best. The middle door that led to the drawing room where the wedding would take place was open.

She walked to the threshold and the whole room quieted. Everyone was already on their feet.

Simon stood before the windows. He’d been speaking with the registrar but fell silent the moment she appeared.

His eyes almost glowed with appreciation and love when he saw her.

He wore a suit she’d never seen before, but it was undoubtedly one of the more formal ones he’d had made during his time at Montague Club.

It was dove-gray and fit him well. His black eye from the prizefight had nearly faded entirely.

There was only a little discoloration on the fine skin underneath his eye. He was breathtaking.

He held Daisy in his arms. She had been so happy to see him yesterday that she told everyone who would listen that her papa had come home.

It seemed that she had reclaimed him today.

Eliza had bought her a satin dress in light blue to wear for the occasion, and Fanny had made a matching crown of orange blossoms for her hair.

The child smiled when she saw Eliza and yelled out, “Auntie Liza,” which had everyone chuckling.

Eliza blinked back the happy tears that sprang to her eyes and rushed over to them. Leaning up, she kissed Daisy on the cheek. “Are you ready for this wedding?” she asked her. Daisy nodded and so Eliza turned her attention to Simon. “How about you, Mr. Cavell?”

He smiled down at her, a good bit of awe in his expression. “I still can’t get over the fact that ye chose me. I want to get it done before ye change yer mind.”

She laughed and he leaned down to kiss her before the disapproving countenance of the registrar.

The next few minutes passed quickly. They repeated the vows that the official said, but all Eliza remembered was that Simon held her hand the entire time and stared at her like a man who was in love. That was the only vow she needed.

When it was finished, Fanny erupted into applause and the room followed suit. It was the happiest moment of Eliza’s life.

“I love you, Simon,” she whispered after he kissed her. “I love you, too, Daisy.” The girl giggled and then Simon kissed Daisy’s cheek and she laughed even harder, which made everyone laugh.

Eliza could hardly believe this was her life. She was very glad that she had listened to her bad angel and followed Simon that night at Montague Club. Had her good angel won that debate, none of this would have ever happened and she would have missed out on the best man she had ever known.

Simon saw her watching him and put his arm around her, pulling her close. “I will love you for all of my life, Eliza Cavell,” he whispered near her ear.

She couldn’t ask for anything more than that.